Is girdling ever used as a method of clearing trees for urban development?

Question

Or is it just used for agricultural purposes?

Answer 1

No, for 2 reasons.  

First, it will be unsightly.  Nobody wants to be looking at a bunch of dead trees in a development.  

Second, it eventually becomes dangerous, as there will limb drop.  Dead trees, known officially as "snags" are also often called "widow-makers".  They are important to wildlife but aren't much use to humans.  

It would be safer to just cut them down as they are, although good developers know that you save what you can, since having established trees around adds to the value of a neighborhood.

We've all seen the developments that were agricultural fields the year before (It was horrible in the "Collar Counties" in Illinois).  They always seem barren and uninviting until the silver maples get a few years growth on them.  Then, of course, 20 years later they start causing problems.

Answer 2

This is a method of killing trees. Mostly put into practice by some unscrupulous people for their own self. this is illegal, but at the same time a cleverly cunning  act , because it will be difficult to catch them.

Answer 3

No, it would take too long. They cut down the trees and dig up the roots.

Answer 4

Kevin, I assume you mean what we call "ringbarking" here in Australia. If so, the answer in this country is "NO", as it's too slow for our greedy developers. They get the chainsaws out even before the authorities have given their consent.